Dog obedience training is the foundation for a well-behaved and happy dog.
It strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion, making life easier and more enjoyable. It also provides mental stimulation and stress relief for your dog. By engaging your dog’s mind and body in training, you’re helping them lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Here are some of the core commands to get you started:
Sit:
Use this command for everything from greeting guests to calming your dog down. To teach, hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it toward his head. As he lifts his head to follow the treat, his rear end will naturally sink into a sitting position. When he sits completely, say “sit” and give him the treat.
Down:
Once your dog has mastered sit, you can move on to down. Having your dog lie down on command is helpful in many situations, such as when you need them to be still for grooming or when you’re waiting at the vet’s office. Ask your dog to sit, hold a treat in front of his nose, and slowly move it toward the floor between his paws. He will eventually lie down as he follows the treat with his nose. When he does, say “down” and give him the treat.
Stay:
This command is not just a trick but a crucial skill for your dog’s safety and peace of mind. It teaches your dog to hold its position even when you move away from it, ensuring it stays out of harm’s way. Understanding the ‘stay’ command will make you feel more responsible and motivated to train your dog.
Come:
This command is vital to safety and off-leash training. Place your dog on a leash in a spacious hallway or a fenced area to teach it. Take a few steps away from your dog and call him excitedly, saying, ‘Come!’ When he eagerly runs to you, express your joy with lavish praise and reward him with a treat.
Leave it:
This command teaches your dog to resist the temptation to take something that is not his. Place a treat on the floor and hold your palm out in front of it in a stop sign. Say “Leave it,” and wait for your dog to avoid the treat. When he does, reward him with praise and a treat from your other hand.
Heel:
This will teach your dog to walk on a loose leash beside you. Start by having your dog on your left side. Hold a treat near his nose to keep him interested and focused on you. As you begin to walk, say “heel” and use the treat to lure him into position next to your leg. Reward him with the treat when he is in the correct position.
These are just a few basic commands but will provide a solid foundation for a well-behaved dog.
Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key! It’s important to note that using harsh or punitive training methods can negatively affect your dog’s behavior and well-being. Always prioritize positive and humane training techniques to build a strong and healthy bond with your dog.
Tips for Success
Short training sessions:
Keep training short and positive, especially for puppies. A few short sessions throughout the day are more effective than one long session. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions a few times a day.
Positive reinforcement:
When your dog obeys a command, remember to reward them with treats, praise, and more treats. This positive approach will make your dog more likely to repeat the desired behavior and make you feel empowered and effective in your training.
Consistency:
Use the same commands and cues when you train your dog.
Patience
is key in dog training. While your dog can learn new commands, understanding and responding to them takes time and repetition. Setting realistic expectations and understanding that training is gradual can help you stay patient and motivated and prevent frustration or disappointment.
End training sessions on a positive note.
Many resources are available to help you with dog training, including books, websites, and professional dog trainers.
Here are a few that you might find helpful:
Books:
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love Audiobook [Free Download by Trial].https://www.julieannepeters.com/zak-georges-dog-training-revolution-the-complete-guide-to-raising-the-perfect-pet-with-love-audiobook-free-download-by-trial/
Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual [Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual by Patricia McConnell]
The Everything Essential Dog Training and Tricks Book | Book by Gerilyn J Bielakiewicz | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Everything-Essential-Dog-Training-and-Tricks-Book/Gerilyn-J-Bielakiewicz/Everything/9781440590191
Websites:
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